2021. The year after the shit year that was supposed to bounce back and redeem itself but somehow every month presented some new threat like a Hunger Games arena (you know, the Catching Fire one). This uphill battle is going to take longer than we thought.

But between the plagues and wars and the wrath of Mother Nature, there were moments that offered glimpses of humanity, joy, and optimism.

This year I…

This year I adapted to a new normal of cautious indulgence as the world started to open up. I made plans with people. But we mostly hang out outdoors. I started going back to the movie theater. But also got myself a TV to enjoy entertainment from home. I’m happy to leave the house but also happy to stay in. Everything in moderation.

Moving onto more personal reflections. Every year I write about how I think I’m becoming more of an adult. But this year, when I look at young people, I truly cannot relate anymore. There’s a certain quality to the things I want to own, a routine to the things I want to do, a standard to the things I say yes to. I prefer a night in rather than out. I’m excited to fold laundry. I’m genuinely excited to find a discount on Turbotax in the newest Costco coupon book. Nerdwallet is my favorite website at the moment. Achievement unlocked: basic functioning adult.

I also learned about myself this year, thanks to the Wisdom of the Enneagram. As a success-driven, image-conscious Type 3 who fears failure, judgment, and inadequacy, I need to redefine success and happiness for myself. How do my thoughts of invalidation hinder my personal growth? What types of “truths” do I need to unlearn? Why am I obsessed with productivity? Who am I even trying to impress? Stay tuned for the next chapter of adulthood: confident grown-ass adult.

2021 in pop culture

Yay fun stuff! After a year of drought, I’m so grateful to the amazing music, TV, and movies, and quality entertainment this year has given us. Driver’s License, Silk Sonic, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Adele, Girls5eva, iCarly reboot, Wandavision, Supergirl the final season, Hawkeye, 你好, 李焕英, Raya and the Last Dragon, In The Heights (I loved this movie so much I rewatched it 4 times and then listened to the music for 2 months straight), Black Widow, No Time to Die, Tick Tick Boom, Spiderman, SNL, and even the Olympics.

Notable First times

Attended (and photographed) a wedding with Simon, streamed a virtual wedding, streamed a virtual funeral, met friends’ babies, had omakase, experienced a full body massage, threw clay, explored Santa Barbara, had lobster in Maine, gave my dad a haircut, helped my sister move to SF, passed out candy to trick or treaters, went out for karaoke with friends, attended a surprise birthday party (for me!), decorated my living space, sang in public, returned to the office, mailed out Christmas cards, and celebrated 20 years of life in America.

new year’s Resolutions

1. Have less. Just because I have a home doesn’t mean I need to fill it with unnecessary things. And it definitely doesn’t need to look picture-perfect.

2. Monotask. I’ve been trying so hard to multitask my whole life and it’s just not working. I need to focus on doing one thing at a time, while being conscious and intentional and fully present. I no longer want to be running around from place to place.

3. Take a break. This year I moved past the hustle and grind mentality. I’m no longer fulfilled by moving fast, multitasking, and being busy. Next year I also want to set boundaries around what I can and am willing to do. Prioritize work-life balance and value my sacred time, attention, and energy.

Every year I end this blog post looking forward to the new year and exciting change to come. But I’m not feeling too blindly optimistic this time around. I think this poem by Rupi Kaur sums up why.